Commissioners passed a resolution concerning placement of political signs and agreed to publish the requirements as well as provide them to candidates for office. Signs may be put up 45 days prior to the election and must be removed two days following the election. Signs should be at least 10 feet from the edge of a road and not within 300 feet at road intersections.

Beth Kellstrom, family connections/nursing supervisor at the Riley County Health Department, presented a request to submit an application for a March of Dimes grant. The grant application represents the third year of a three year grant to provide smoking cessation and post-partum depression treatment to women in pregnancy and as new mothers. It operates in cooperation with the Women Infants and Children’s program and Pawnee Mental Health. The request was approved.

Jane Freyenberger, coordinator of the Women’s Infants and Children’s program, requested permission to assist Geary County. Since the elimination of the program on the Post at Fort Riley, the staff at Geary County’s Health Department is unable to schedule clients for up to four weeks out. Many of the clients actually live in Riley County but live close to Junction City. The State of Kansas will cover the cost so there is no financial impact on Riley County. The Commissioners agreed to provide the help.

The rest of the meeting dealt with preliminary budget recommendations.

Riley County Commission, July 27, 2016

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Wilson, Wells and Boyd present, Wilson as chair.

Riley County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson said many camping activities are about to get underway at Rock Springs 4-H Camp. About 500 4-H members are expected to participate. Preparations also are being made for the Riley County Fair which will run July 21 through 25.

Emergency Management Director Pat Collins said his office is developing standards for rural fire stations that will meet those created by the American Institute of Architects and adopted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These will be incorporated into forms weighing bidding standards for proposed construction projects.

According to Larry Couchman, director of emergency services, 92 participants at the Country Stampede sought EMS services this year. The total count for all agencies providing health care was 290. Ambulance transports were needed for 16 persons. Problems were greater in the camping area than the entertainment arena. Some fights broke out resulting in trauma related issues. There was one possible sexual assault reported. He said it appeared to him that fewer people were involved in the Stampede this year.

County Engineer Leon Hobson reviewed requirements for posting political signs on the County Right of Way. Signs may be put up 45 days prior to the election and must be removed two days following the election. It was generally agreed any signs should be at least 10 feet from the edge of a road and not within 300 feet at road intersections. All requirements will be reviewed a the next meeting.

The new Budget and Finance Officer, Tami Robison, briefly asked direction from the Commissioners about their preferences in dealing with 2017 budget work sessions.